Voyageur Rendezvous

Annual Voyageur Rendezvous 

  • Grand Kankakee Marsh*
  • 18th Century Fur-Trade Era Reenactment 
  •  Saturday & Sunday, May 17 & 18 10 AM-2 PM
  • $5 per person, ages 5 and under are free

*in the event that the Kankakee River is too high, the Voyageur Rendezvous will announce a secondary location. Please double-check the location before heading out. 

Painted Canoe

About the Program

Peek into the lives of those who would have lived or traded along the waterways of the Midwest more than 250 years ago when the marshes were a source of valuable furs desired by merchant traders to take back to Europe.  Meet Native Americans, French-Canadian canoe men, called Voyageurs, British and French militia, early settlers, and many others.

This is a family-friendly event with lots of fun things to learn and experience for visitors of all ages. 

Event Highlights include: 

  • Arrival of Voyageurs by canoe
  • Opening and Closing Ceremonies
  • Storytelling
  • Tomahawk Throw
  • Trade Session with the Native Americans
  • Hot Food, Cold Sarsaparilla and more


Special School Invite to the Voyageur Rendezvous 18th Century Fur Trade Era

  • Early Indiana History - 18th Century Fur Trade Era School / Group Tours
  • Grand Kankakee Marsh County Park
  • Reservations and deposit required at least ten business days in advance
  • Appropriate for 4th to 6th grade curriculum

Please call the Lake County Parks main office at 219-769-7275 or email us for more information on dates and times. 

Fur Trade Demonstration
Tents by the Lake